When most students think of summer school, they imagine long days indoors missing out on sunshine and social time. But for Charlotte, summer learning looked completely different—thanks to the flexibility of Apex Learning.
After spending her junior year studying abroad in Spain, she returned home with unforgettable memories, a broadened worldview, and one missing U.S. History credit. To graduate on time, she needed to complete the final portion of the course over the summer. But instead of sacrificing her break, she embraced a different approach.
“I was working 30 to 40 hours a week that summer, and I didn’t want to be just in work or just in school,” Charlotte explained. “[Apex Learning] let me do schoolwork whenever I had time and still have a summer.”
Whether she had 10 minutes or four hours in a sitting, Apex Learning gave Charlotte the tools to make progress. She could start a reading or video lesson between babysitting shifts, knock out a quiz while dinner was cooking, or dive into a full unit on a quiet afternoon.
“It didn’t feel burdensome at all,” said Charlotte. “I could chip away at the course when it worked best for me.”
This flexibility allowed her to stay connected with friends, enjoy her summer, and still meet her academic goals. The course structure—lectures, quizzes, and occasional essays—was comprehensive without being overwhelming. And when she needed support, her teacher was just an email away.
“He checked in every couple of weeks, offered feedback, and gave me chances to improve,” reported Charlotte. “It felt like he really wanted me to succeed.”
What made Charlotte’s experience even more unique was the contrast between what she learned abroad and what she studied through Apex Learning. While in Spain, she heard different perspectives on American history—especially about figures like Columbus—and was able to compare those views with the U.S.-based curriculum.
“It was fascinating to hear how people in Spain saw American history,” Charlotte described. “Then I’d come home and learn about the same events from a different lens. It really deepened my understanding.”
That global perspective, combined with the freedom to learn on her own terms, helped Charlotte grow not just academically but also personally.
In 2024, Charlotte started studying neuroscience at a women’s college in Southern California. She reflects on how Apex Learning helped her stay on track and prepare for college-level expectations. As someone who came from a small high school with limited course offerings, she understands how online learning can help students explore more interests and enter college with greater confidence.
“I absolutely would’ve recommended [Apex Learning] to my friends,” Charlotte praised. “It gives you the chance to explore subjects your school might not offer—and do it in a way that fits your life.”
Charlotte’s experience demonstrates how education doesn’t have to be rigid. With the right tools and support, students can meet their goals, explore the world, and still have time for the things that make high school memorable.
